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Canada Expands Cream Cheese Warnings

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s (CFIA’s) Dec. 2nd public warning about Western Creamery cream cheese products was expanded over the weekend.

Cheeses added to the recall were made with cream cheese that may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7, according to the division of Liberté Natural Foods.

The expanded CFIA warning now includes Canadian Cream Cheese Spread, Nacho Dip, Nachos with Dip, and Nachos with Salsa Party Tray.

The eight cream cheese products were sold at deli counters or the clerk-served units of ten stores from Nov 25 to Dec. 4, 2009 in various weights. Most sales were at Loblaw, Real Canadian Superstore, Your Independent Grocer, Fortinos, and Zehrs.

The CFIA is continuing its investigation to identify other retail locations where the affected Cream cheese may have been sold. Consumers are advised to contact the retailer if they are unsure whether the Cream Cheese product they have is affected.

No illnesses have been associated with the Salmonella-contaminated cream cheese products.

Food contaminated with Salmonella may not look or smell spoiled. Consumption of food contaminated with these bacteria may cause salmonellosis, a foodborne illness.

In young children, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems, salmonellosis may cause serious and sometimes deadly infections. In otherwise healthy people, salmonellosis may cause short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Long-term complications may include severe arthritis.

The manufacturer and various retailers are voluntarily recalling the affected cream cheese products from the marketplace. CFIA is monitoring the effectiveness of the recall.

For more information, consumers and industry can call one of the CFIA at 1-800-442-2342 / TTY 1-800-465-7735 (8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern time, Monday to Friday).